My 3 1/2 year old will only go potty if he is wearing nothing below the waist. What to do?

Question

He is very aware of when he has to go potty when he is not wearing anything below the waist, but the second you put underwear or a diaper on him, he feels free to not use the potty. If he messes his diaper or underwear, he will just take them off himself because he does not like that uncomfortable feeling. How can I get him to go while wearing a diaper or underwear? Right now, I just want to get daytime mastered and then we'll work on night time. Thanks!!

Answer 1

reward him. he seems like he has control enough, since he can do it himself when hes not wearing pants, so give him an incentive. something thats special to him - not candy, don't want him to start seeing food as a reward for good behaviour - like a trip to the park or playing his favourite game. and praise him lots when he does it by himself, let him know how special he is, so he'll want to do it again and again... good luck!

Answer 2

First, ditch the diapers and pull ups. Let him wear underwear only. Take him to the potty every 2 hours, until he catches on. Reward him when he goes. Let him know that if he goes potty you will reward him by reading his favorite book, or give him a special sticker. I would stay away from candy and food rewards. If he goes an entire day without an accident, give him a very special reward like take him to the park or swimming (but at this point I would stick with little swimmers diapers until it is matered!). At bedtime let him sleep in underwear, not a diaper. Put a waterproof mattress pad under him. These can be found at walmart in the infant bedding section. He will wet the bed, but after about a week he'll learn to get up and use the toilet. Have him go potty just before bedtime and nothing to drink 2 hours before bedtime. If he wets the bed or wets his pants during the day, pay no attention to it. Just clean him up and go about your day. Getting angry at him will only frustrate you and make him feel bad, making the situation worse. Try to keep your cool. It will be difficult, but it will work. It worked for both of my daughters. My first was almost 22 months when she was completely potty trained and my second was almost 2 and half. My second wasn't ready as quick as my first was. You can also put cheerios or fruit loops in the toilet and tell him to try to hit them with his pee. This worked for my nephew!

Answer 3

Buy him some special big boys undies and tell him he gets them when he learns to not mess/ wet his others right. Disipline - Not rough- because it seems he likes irritating or getting the extra attention. He knows what is right. At 3.5 yrs old he is testing the limit and you need to make one with "otherwise" reality. My Mother bought me some fancy big girl panties when I was little and left them in sight but out of reach so I would know the goal. I do not agree with the candy deal because it could back fire. My oldest potty trained himself WAY EARLY! Thank Heavens!! My other 2 made up for that. but were trained by 2y.

Answer 4

pick a word to teach him to say when he goes. If he wets his diaper tell him to say " the Magic bathroom word" and remind him when he makes a mess and then he may start telling you before he goes then when he tells you praise him for doing it as well as praise him when goes on the potty he will come around eventually kids go at thier own pace. Also try reward like drawing a happy face on the calandar or you and your baby drawing a happy face together with crayons non stainin ones of course the baby will look forward to it and associate the happy face with the being rewarded for the potty try it hope it works.

Answer 5

Honey, my son is almost 6 and still strips down to nothing to go to the bathroom.... EVERY TIME! Just let it go - at least he's going on the potty. Be prepared for when you aren't at home, but when you can, just let him run naked.

A few months ago, we went to a book fair at our school and my son told me he was going to the rest room - He was gone for like 20 minutes and I finally went to look for him (by the way, we live in a very small community and he was in no danger) - I found him in the bathroom - sitting buck naked on the floor, putting his clothes back on.

Just remember, sometimes it's an inconvenience for us, but treasure it.... Time goes so fast and that is one of those precious memories you will look back on in 10 or 15 years and laugh about.

Answer 6

My son had to potty totally naked until he was 7 years old! Now he is totally normal in that area. see if he will wear light shorts with no underwear.

Answer 7

I got the underwear that he wants, tell him that big boys go even thou they have underwear and pants show him and treat him like a big man. And use as an example his favorite carachter like superman or buzz light year ell him that the reason why they have somuch power iscause they go potty . it works rember they want ot be just like them lol

Answer 8

Go to a dollar store and buy several little presents, wrap them. Tell him if he goes to the potty he'll get a present. Worked with my son.

Answer 9

if you are at home, let him go naked. when you are out in about, put pullups on him. Boys are harder to train than girls....mother of three boys, and i do full time daycare...the girls were trained in a few days..the boys took months...Of course he pees and poops in the underware or diaper, it's less messy for him and it doesn't get all over him...so let the boy run naked till he gets this skill mastered!

Answer 10

Try boxers for little boys. They make them in spiderman and stuff, and allows more freedom so they can feel if htey need to go. If you are home let him go comando, no biggy. Boys are harder to train that is for sure. it will come hang in there.